“Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

“Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare first appeared in the early 20th century as part of his poetry collections that often explored themes of imagination, nature, and mystery. De la Mare, known for his lyrical and evocative style, captures the quiet wonder of a child’s nighttime encounter with the moon in this poem. The poem’s simplicity and vivid imagery make it a popular choice for textbooks, introducing young readers to the beauty of poetic observation. Through the perspective of Dick, the young protagonist, de la Mare illustrates the moon’s ethereal presence as it “streamed across his bed,” creating a serene and almost magical moment between the child and the night sky. The poem’s gentle rhythm and dreamlike quality reinforce its enduring appeal as a classic in children’s literature.

Text: “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

One night as Dick lay half asleep,
Into his drowsy eyes
A great still light began to creep
From out the silent skies.
It was the lovely moon’s, for when
He raised his dreamy head,
Her surge of silver filled the pane
And streamed across his bed.
So, for a while, each gazed at each —
Dick and the solemn moon —
Till, climbing slowly on her way,
She vanished, and was gone.

Annotations: “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

Line	Simple Explanation	Stylistic & Rhetorical Devices	Phrase Types
One night as Dick lay half asleep,	Describes a nighttime setting where Dick is in a drowsy state.	Imagery, Enjambment	Adverbial phrase (“One night”), Prepositional phrase (“as Dick lay half asleep”)
Into his drowsy eyes	Indicates that something is entering Dick’s vision as he drifts into sleep.	Personification (“drowsy eyes”), Imagery	Prepositional phrase (“Into his drowsy eyes”)
A great still light began to creep	The moonlight gradually enters his room, moving gently.	Personification (“light began to creep”), Alliteration (“still light”)	Adjective phrase (“great still light”), Verb phrase (“began to creep”)
From out the silent skies.	The silent night sky enhances the stillness and beauty of the moonlight.	Imagery, Inversion (unusual word order)	Prepositional phrase (“From out the silent skies”)
It was the lovely moon’s, for when	Introduces the moon as the source of light, personified as a presence.	Personification (“the lovely moon’s”), Enjambment	Noun phrase (“the lovely moon’s”), Subordinate clause (“for when”)
He raised his dreamy head,	Dick lifts his head to observe the moon more clearly.	Imagery, Enjambment, Alliteration (“dreamy head”)	Verb phrase (“raised his dreamy head”)
Her surge of silver filled the pane	The moonlight fills the window and spills into the room, resembling waves.	Metaphor (“surge of silver”), Alliteration (“silver filled”)	Metaphorical noun phrase (“Her surge of silver”), Verb phrase (“filled the pane”)
And streamed across his bed.	The moonlight moves across his bed, creating a dreamy atmosphere.	Imagery, Personification (“streamed across”)	Verb phrase (“streamed across his bed”)
So, for a while, each gazed at each —	Dick and the moon share a moment of silent observation.	Parallelism (“each gazed at each”), Personification	Adverbial phrase (“So, for a while”), Repetition (“each gazed at each”)
Dick and the solemn moon —	The solemn presence of the moon adds a sense of mystery and grandeur.	Personification (“solemn moon”), Juxtaposition (child vs. celestial body)	Noun phrase (“Dick and the solemn moon”)
Till, climbing slowly on her way,	The moon slowly ascends in the sky, continuing its journey.	Personification (“climbing slowly”), Imagery	Adverbial phrase (“climbing slowly”), Verb phrase (“on her way”)
She vanished, and was gone.	The moon disappears from view, leaving a sense of transience and wonder.	Personification (“vanished”), Ellipsis (mysterious tone)	Verb phrase (“She vanished”), Elliptical phrase (“and was gone”)

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

Literary Device	Example from Poem	Detailed Explanation
Assonance	“drowsy eyes”	The repetition of vowel sounds in “drowsy eyes” enhances the musicality of the line and mirrors the sleepy mood.
Consonance	“silent skies”	The repetition of consonant sounds in “silent skies” emphasizes the stillness and serenity of the night.
Ellipsis	“She vanished, and was gone.”	The omission of words creates an open-ended, mysterious effect, reinforcing the moon’s quiet disappearance.
Enjambment	“Her surge of silver filled the pane / And streamed across his bed.”	The continuation of one line into the next without a pause creates a smooth, flowing effect.
Imagery	“A great still light began to creep.”	Vivid descriptions help create mental images for the reader, making the scene more immersive.
Inversion	“From out the silent skies.”	The poet reverses the usual word order instead of saying “Out from the silent skies,” lending a poetic and dramatic effect.
Juxtaposition	“Dick and the solemn moon.”	The contrast between Dick, a small child, and the vast celestial moon emphasizes nature’s grandeur.
Metaphor	“Her surge of silver.”	The moonlight is compared to a powerful wave, enhancing its beauty and movement.
Mood	Overall tone of the poem.	The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative, emphasizing the quiet wonder of the night sky.
Parallelism	“each gazed at each.”	The repeated structure reinforces symmetry between Dick and the moon, creating balance in the verse.
Personification	“light began to creep.”	The light is given human-like qualities, making it seem alive and gentle in its movement.
Repetition	“each gazed at each.”	The repeated phrase emphasizes the stillness and intimacy of the moment.
Rhyme	“bed” and “head.”	The rhyme enhances the poem’s musicality and creates a gentle, flowing sound.
Rhythm	Smooth natural rhythm throughout the poem.	The poem follows a flowing rhythm, mimicking the slow movement of the moon.
Symbolism	The moon.	The moon represents mystery, time, and the quiet presence of nature.

Themes: “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

• The Wonder of Nature: The poem highlights the quiet beauty and majesty of nature, particularly through the moon’s presence. The imagery of moonlight “streaming across his bed” and “her surge of silver filled the pane” conveys the celestial body’s serene and enchanting effect on the night. The child’s silent admiration of the moon reflects humanity’s age-old fascination with the natural world. By portraying the moon as a solemn yet captivating entity, de la Mare encourages readers to appreciate the beauty of the night sky, fostering a sense of awe and reverence for nature’s quiet grandeur.
• The Innocence of Childhood: Dick’s silent engagement with the moon represents the innocent curiosity and wonder of childhood. Unlike adults who may take such moments for granted, Dick perceives the moon as something mysterious and almost alive. The line “each gazed at each—Dick and the solemn moon” suggests a mutual recognition, as if the moon is acknowledging the child’s presence. This theme emphasizes the purity of a child’s imagination, the way children find companionship in nature, and their ability to find meaning in silent, everyday moments.
• The Passage of Time and Transience: A central theme in the poem is the fleeting nature of time. The moon’s slow but inevitable movement across the sky symbolizes the passage of time, and its eventual disappearance reflects the impermanence of moments. The concluding line, “Till, climbing slowly on her way, / She vanished, and was gone,” underscores the idea that nothing lasts forever. Just as the moon moves on, so do childhood, innocence, and moments of quiet wonder. De la Mare subtly reminds readers of life’s ephemeral nature, encouraging them to cherish brief but meaningful experiences.
• Solitude and Reflection: The poem explores solitude not as loneliness, but as a moment of quiet contemplation. Dick lies in bed, partially awake, in the presence of the moon, engaging in a silent, introspective connection. The moon’s stillness mirrors his own, and the stillness of the night allows for deep, wordless reflection. The phrase “each gazed at each” suggests a moment of silent understanding, as if Dick and the moon share a brief yet profound connection. This theme suggests that solitude can be a space for reflection and personal connection with the world around us.

Literary Theories and “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

Literary Theory	Application to “Full Moon”	References from the Poem
Romanticism	The poem reflects Romantic ideals through its appreciation of nature, focus on childhood innocence, and the personal, emotional experience of the individual. The moon is depicted as a source of wonder and beauty, aligning with the Romantic emphasis on the sublime and the natural world’s spiritual significance.	“A great still light began to creep / From out the silent skies.” – Nature is personified, creating an ethereal, almost divine presence. The quiet awe of the child mirrors Romantic poets’ reverence for nature.
Psychoanalytic Theory (Freudian Analysis)	The poem can be interpreted as a representation of the subconscious mind. Dick’s half-asleep state suggests a dreamlike experience where the moon could symbolize the unconscious self, and the moment of silent connection between the boy and the moon may reflect an internalized search for meaning or security.	“One night as Dick lay half asleep” – The liminal state between waking and sleeping hints at a dreamlike interaction, evoking the idea of subconscious desires or fears.
Structuralism	The poem follows a clear structural pattern, utilizing parallelism, repetition, and a logical progression of time from stillness to movement. The contrast between Dick and the moon forms a binary opposition—human vs. celestial, transient vs. eternal.	“So, for a while, each gazed at each – / Dick and the solemn moon.” – This parallelism suggests a structural balance in the poem, reinforcing themes of observation and reflection.
Symbolism	The moon serves as a powerful symbol of time, mystery, and change. The poem portrays it as more than just a celestial body—it is an almost sentient force that watches over the boy, creating a sense of silent companionship.	“Till, climbing slowly on her way, / She vanished, and was gone.” – The moon’s movement and disappearance symbolize the passing of time, fleeting moments, and the impermanence of life.

Critical Questions about “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

• How does Walter de la Mare use imagery to create a dreamlike atmosphere in “Full Moon”?
• Imagery plays a crucial role in shaping the poem’s ethereal and serene mood. De la Mare carefully selects visual and sensory details to depict the moon’s presence as both gentle and mysterious. The phrase “A great still light began to creep / From out the silent skies.” evokes an image of moonlight gradually entering the room, creating an almost magical stillness. The choice of words such as “surge of silver filled the pane” and “streamed across his bed” enhances the luminous quality of the moonlight, making it feel tangible and otherworldly. By using such vivid descriptions, de la Mare immerses the reader in the scene, allowing them to experience the quiet wonder of the night through the child’s perspective. The dreamlike effect is heightened by the fact that Dick is in a “half-asleep” state, blurring the line between reality and imagination.
• What is the significance of the relationship between Dick and the moon?
• The poem presents an intimate, almost mystical connection between Dick and the moon, suggesting that nature can offer companionship and silent understanding. The line “So, for a while, each gazed at each— / Dick and the solemn moon” personifies the moon as an entity capable of interaction, almost as if it is aware of the boy’s presence. This creates an interesting dynamic where Dick is not just an observer but an active participant in this silent exchange. The moon’s “solemn” nature contrasts with the innocence of childhood, symbolizing wisdom, eternity, and the passage of time. This moment of mutual observation raises questions about whether the moon represents a protective force, a symbol of solitude, or a fleeting connection between the human and natural world. The poem suggests that even in stillness and silence, there can be profound interaction and meaning.
• How does the poem explore the theme of time and transience?
• One of the central themes in “Full Moon” is the fleeting nature of time, depicted through the moon’s slow ascent and eventual disappearance. The concluding lines, “Till, climbing slowly on her way, / She vanished, and was gone,” emphasize the inevitability of change and movement. This passage can be interpreted as a metaphor for the impermanence of life, childhood, and moments of wonder. Just as the moon moves through the sky, time passes, and experiences fade into memory. Dick’s silent contemplation of the moon mirrors the human tendency to cherish brief but meaningful moments. By the time the moon has vanished, the sense of stillness and connection has been lost, leaving behind a quiet realization of life’s transitory nature.
• What role does personification play in shaping the moon’s portrayal in the poem?
• Throughout “Full Moon”, de la Mare gives the moon human-like qualities, transforming it into an almost sentient being. The moon “gazed at” Dick, appearing to observe him just as he observes it. This mutual gaze suggests that the moon is not just an object in the sky but a presence with significance and depth. The description of its “surge of silver” and the way it “streamed across his bed” further emphasizes its dynamic, living quality. Personification enhances the emotional impact of the poem, making the moon feel like a silent guardian or distant companion rather than a mere celestial body. This literary device allows the poet to bridge the gap between the human and natural world, making the reader question whether the moon holds deeper meaning beyond its physical form.

Literary Works Similar to “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

1. “Silver” by Walter de la Mare – Like “Full Moon”, this poem captures the serene beauty of moonlight using rich imagery and personification, emphasizing the moon’s gentle, mysterious presence in the night.
2. “The Moon” by Robert Louis Stevenson – This poem, from A Child’s Garden of Verses, shares a childlike wonder toward the moon and its quiet influence over the sleeping world, mirroring the theme of nighttime observation in “Full Moon”.
3. “To the Moon” by Percy Bysshe Shelley – Shelley’s poem, like de la Mare’s, personifies the moon, giving it an emotional and reflective presence, symbolizing solitude, mystery, and time’s passage.
4. “The Stolen Child” by W.B. Yeats – Though more fantastical, this poem evokes a similar dreamlike quality, where nature and supernatural elements interact with a child, much like the quiet yet magical connection in “Full Moon”.
5. “Moonlight” by Sara Teasdale – This poem shares the theme of the moon’s quiet, almost melancholic beauty, using soft imagery and gentle rhythm to evoke a sense of wonder and transience, much like de la Mare’s work.

Representative Quotations of “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“One night as Dick lay half asleep,”	Introduces the setting and the child’s dreamlike state, blending reality with imagination.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Suggests a subconscious experience, where dreams and reality blur.
“A great still light began to creep”	Describes the moon’s gradual presence, emphasizing its gentle and mysterious arrival.	Romanticism – Highlights nature’s quiet power and beauty.
“From out the silent skies.”	Reinforces the peacefulness of the night and the moon’s almost supernatural quality.	Symbolism – The silence represents mystery and solitude.
“It was the lovely moon’s, for when”	Establishes the moon as a central figure, personified as an almost sentient presence.	Personification in Literary Analysis – The moon takes on human-like qualities.
“Her surge of silver filled the pane”	The moon’s light enters the room, creating an immersive and almost magical effect.	Imagery in Structuralism – Light as a recurring motif in celestial and dreamlike poetry.
“And streamed across his bed.”	The moon’s movement is fluid and gentle, mirroring the passage of time.	Transience and Time Theory – Represents the fleeting nature of moments.
“So, for a while, each gazed at each—”	Establishes a silent connection between the child and the moon.	Existentialism – Suggests a moment of reflection, where the child contemplates the unknown.
“Dick and the solemn moon—”	The moon is depicted as wise and knowing, contrasting with Dick’s youthful innocence.	Juxtaposition in Literary Theory – Contrasts the child’s fleeting youth with the moon’s eternal presence.
“Till, climbing slowly on her way,”	The moon continues its journey, symbolizing inevitable change and movement.	Structuralism – The passage of time follows a structured, cyclical pattern.
“She vanished, and was gone.”	The moon disappears, ending the moment of quiet observation and reflection.	Transience and Impermanence Theory – Highlights the fleeting nature of time and experience.

Suggested Readings: “Full Moon” by Walter de la Mare

1. Beechey, Gwilym. “Walter de la Mare: Settings of His Poetry: A Centenary Note.” The Musical Times 114.1562 (1973): 371-373.
2. PARKER, RENNIE. “‘MORE OF IMAGINATION’S STARS’: W. H. DAVIES, BECOMING A GEORGIAN.” W. H. Davies: Essays on the Super-Tramp Poet, edited by Rory Waterman, Anthem Press, 2021, pp. 49–62. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvxkn6qp.6. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
3. Atre, Shubhangana. “THE FEMININE AS ARCHETYPE.” Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, vol. 92, 2011, pp. 151–93. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43941279. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.